Isle of Palms Police Department Annual Fundraising Banquet
The LENS IOP Annual Banquet is a cherished tradition that brings the Isle of Palms community together each May during National Police Week to celebrate community, support our local law enforcement, and foster a stronger, safer island. Organized by the LENS Foundation Isle of Palms, this lively gathering directly supports our police and fire departments, raising essential funds to enhance public safety and community well-being.
What makes this event especially memorable is its unique theme each year, bringing fresh excitement to every banquet. In 2025, our "Neighborhood Block Party" featured the island's largest block party at Islander 71 with plenty of entertainment for families. In 2024, our “Taste of the Island” theme at The Citadel Beach Club gave attendees a chance to sample featured dishes from local restaurants in a friendly competition for the top spot. In 2023, the event took place at Wild Dunes and featured a spirited live auction hosted by Tom Crawford, while in 2022, the focus was on fabulous food at Islander 71. Looking ahead, our May 2026 banquet theme will be the "Cheese Ball" featuring a Big Cheese competition amongst fundraisers, a sit-down dinner, dancing, wine and cheese reception, live orchestra, and keynote speaker Doug Mills.
Each year, attendees can expect an inspiring night filled with great food, live entertainment, community connection, and the chance to make a real difference. Join us this May to support a cause that impacts every resident and to celebrate the incredible spirit that makes Isle of Palms home!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE 2026 BANQUET: THE CHEESE BALL
May 14, 2026 from 5-9pm at the Osprey Ballroom at Wild Dunes Resort
The LENS Foundation invites you to the 2026 LENS Banquet—The Cheese Ball—a spirited evening in support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments. Your ticket not only benefits our first responders, but also helps cover the cost for them and their families to attend. The night kicks off with a Wine & Cheese Reception and open bar from 5–6 PM, followed by a seated dinner and dancing from 6–9 PM. Tickets are $100 per person if purchased by April 1, 2026, and $150 thereafter. We’re honored to announce this year’s event is co-chaired by all past and present Isle of Palms mayors: Dick Cronin, Jimmy Carroll, Mike Sottile, and Phillip Pounds.
Twelve community members are competing in a friendly fundraising showdown to be crowned The Big Cheese at our 2026 LENS Banquet. Each contestant is rallying support to raise the most “cheddar” for the LENS Foundation’s mission to support Isle of Palms police officers, firefighters, and their families. You can help by choosing a contestant to support—every donation made through their personal fundraising link pushes them up the leaderboard. The top fundraiser will take home the title of Big Cheese at The Cheese Ball on May 14, 2026!
